Munster scrum-half Peter Stringer has been called into the Ireland squad as cover for the injured Tomas O'Leary.

O'Leary has yet to fully recover from a back spasm suffered in the build-up to Ireland's loss to France two weeks ago, placing his participation in doubt for this weekend's Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield.

The 27-year-old came through their 25-22 loss in round two without further alarm but the problem flared up post-match.

Stringer will remain with the squad until the medical staff are happy with the fitness of O'Leary, who has been given another 24 hours to see if the symptoms clear up.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney on Monday called in eight players to bolster the squad, with returning wingers Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble leading the new faces.